Right on the beachfront in one of the most breathtaking corners of Mexico, with spectacular views of the Pacific, Gabriela and Ernesto Coppel have created their dream home, a space where avant-garde design merges with memories from their global travels.
The stunning property in Los Cabos, in the state of Baja California Sur, reflects the adventurous spirit of the tourism tycoon and his wife, who devotes her time to philanthropy through her own foundation. Ernesto, who is fondly known as 'Neto', "fell into the hotel business almost by chance following a difficult period, both personally and financially."
He was just 30 at the time but quickly made his mark on the industry. It was the beginning of a successful career that is still going strong nearly 50 years later, with Ernesto continuing to pour the same energy and enthusiasm into ambitious new projects.
© VÍCTOR CUCARTThe businessman has three daughters. One of them is Bárbara Coppel, who, along with her husband, the former bullfighter Alejandro HankAmaya, forms one of Mexico's most influential power couples.
After his first marriage, Ernesto found love again with Spanish-born Gabriela Camus. Together for 20 years and married for 13, they are continuing to write their love story in their family home, which they bought in 2017 and are now opening exclusively to us.
© VÍCTOR CUCARTErnesto, what made you fall in love with this spot?
"The house sits at the highest point of the Quivira development, offering the best views of the Pacific Ocean. Quivira itself is a spectacular 750-hectare coastal residential and hotel resort here in Los Cabos."
Did you build it, or did you buy it and renovate?
"We built it entirely from scratch. To bring it to life, we worked with the architect Paty Danel and Katherine Pullen, a fantastic interior designer based in Phoenix, Arizona."
Was it easy to bring your personal style into the house?
© VÍCTOR CUCART"Yes, it really was. We poured so much love and enthusiasm into the build, drawing inspiration from our travels."
'WE BUILT THE HOUSE ENTIRELY FROM SCRATCH’
© VÍCTOR CUCARTWhich is your favourite room?
"Our bedroom. It's incredibly spacious and comfortable, and it looks right out over those magnificent sea views."
How would you describe the ambience of the house, and which pieces of decor stand out?
© VÍCTOR CUCART"The atmosphere is eclectic, bright and very spacious. In terms of the decor, the most special pieces are a Greek vase dating from 450BC and a Greek quadriga [a chariot drawn by four horses] – a replica of Phidias's design on one of the Parthenon pediments in Athens."
Are many of the pieces discoveries from your travels, family heirlooms or unique flea‐market finds?
"Yes – nearly everything, in fact. The vast majority have been collected on our travels across Europe, the Americas, India, Africa, Egypt, Jordan and Turkey."
© VÍCTOR CUCARTWhich object holds the greatest sentimental value for you?
"A Russian icon of the Black Madonna, which we found during a trip to Jerusalem.''
Do you live here all year round?
"We spend nine months of the year here – essentially all year, except the summer – and the weather during that time is magnificent. When the summer heat hits, we usually head off to California or Canada."
© VÍCTOR CUCARTErnesto, you're a titan of the Mexican tourism industry. How did you get your start in the sector?
"I fell into this world entirely by chance. I was 30 years old, completely broke and felt as though I hadn't really achieved anything with my life. Then some Americans from Texas gave me a chance to start out as a part-time salesman, in a sales-manager role.
"Two years later, I struck out on my own, setting up my first project with the tiny bit of money I'd managed to save and the help of a partner. So you could say I entered the tourism industry by the back door... and here I am, still doing it 49 years later."
© VÍCTOR CUCARTWhat has been your toughest challenge?
"Weathering the periodic economic crises and the slumps in international tourism that Mexico has faced.
"But I've always managed to come through them unscathed, thanks to the work of the incredible team I've built around me."
What are your future goals?
"To keep growing the company and expanding our timeshare portfolio. We're currently partnering on the construction of a massive St Regis hotel right here in Quivira, which is the top-tier quality we’re looking for.
"Also under way is a development called Lighthouse, or El Faro, which will feature its own golf course. That's alongside our existing Quivira course, which was named the best new international course by Golf Inc magazine in 2014."
'YEARS AFTER WE FIRST MET, WE REUNITED AS SOULMATES'
© VÍCTOR CUCARTWhat does Gabriela mean to you?
"I deeply admire her simplicity and her huge heart. She means everything to me. My whole life revolves around her, and I’d be completely lost without her."
Your daughter Bárbara has been living in Madrid with her husband and children. Are you fond of Spain?
"I absolutely love Spain, and we fly over to visit Bárbara as often as we can. My wife is actually of Spanish descent and holds a Spanish passport –her grandfather was born in Cueto, just outside Santander, and emigrated to Mexico at the turn of the 20th century."
© VÍCTOR CUCARTGabriela, how did you and Ernesto meet?
"We met through my brother-in-law, who happens to be from the same Mexican state as Neto. When Neto came to visit, my brother-in-law invited us all out to dinner. At the time, Neto was still with his first wife, and I was married too.
"Years later, life brought us together again at an event. We recognised each other instantly and reunited as soulmates.''
© VÍCTOR CUCARTHow long have you been married?
"We've been together for 20 years, which we're celebrating this year, but we tied the knot in 2013."
© VÍCTOR CUCARTWhat do you admire most about Ernesto?
"His immense generosity, his visionary ability to completely transform spaces and his huge heart. He's always helping his friends and supporting anyone who wants to better themselves and grow."
Tell us about your own work...
"I run a foundation that supports abused women and the elderly. I also have a boutique where I sell lovely decorative pieces, clothing and accessories. On top of that, we're partners in a project in Todos Santos, where we have a wonderful large venue called Oystera. Beyond business, I'm passionate about personal development and growth. I love it, which is why I previously practised as a therapist. I teach yoga, reiki and ThetaHealing.
"Ultimately, I love giving back to the community, and I want to keep doing it for as long as I can."
